The IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2026 concluded on a high note with a grand celebration of excellence across public relations, corporate communications and marketing communications, recognising agencies, professionals and organisations that have helped redefine the communications landscape in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven environment.The awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, communications strategists and corporate decision-makers, culminating in the felicitation of outstanding performers whose work has demonstrated innovation, strategic impact and leadership over the past year. Amid enthusiastic applause from peers and industry stakeholders, winners across multiple categories were honoured for setting new benchmarks in reputation management, stakeholder engagement, workplace culture and communications effectiveness.The evening's highest honour, PR Agency of the Year, was awarded to Adfactors PR, underscoring the agency's continued dominance in India's public relations ecosystem and its ability to deliver impactful communications programmes across sectors. In the special recognition categories, Kaizzen was named PR Agency of the Year – Jury Choice, reflecting the jury's appreciation of the agency's strategic work and industry contributions. Meanwhile, Media Mantra secured the PR Agency of the Year – Adgully Choice award, highlighting its growing influence and performance within the communications industry.Leadership excellence was another key focus area at the awards. Udit Pathak, Co-founder and CEO, Media Mantra, and Nikky Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Teamwork Communications, were jointly honoured as PR Agency Heads of the Year, recognising their role in driving agency growth, nurturing talent and steering innovative communications strategies in an increasingly competitive market.The awards also acknowledged exceptional achievements in corporate communications. Puneet Gupta, Head – Communications at INOX Air Products and INOXCVA, was named Corporate Communication Person of the Year (Brand) for his contribution to strengthening corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement. On the agency side, Ankitha P C, Account Director, Concept Public Relations India Limited, received the Corporate Communication Person of the Year (Agency) award, reflecting her excellence in client advisory and communications execution.In the marketing communications category, Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart Company Limited, was honoured as Marketing Communications Professional of the Year, recognising his efforts in aligning brand communication with business growth objectives. Manish Kohli, Chief Manager – Group Corporate Communications, L&T Finance Ltd, received the Jury Choice recognition in the same category, while Alok Chander, Chief Marketing Officer, HFCL Limited, was named Marketing Communications Professional of the Year – Adgully Choice.Beyond campaigns and business outcomes, the awards also spotlighted organisations fostering progressive workplace environments and future-ready cultures—an increasingly critical aspect of sustaining talent and innovation within the communications industry.RuderFinn was recognised with the Best Working Culture of the Year (Organisation) award, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being, collaboration and professional development. Kommune was honoured with the Future-Ready Workplace Excellence award for building an agile and forward-looking organisational culture equipped to navigate evolving industry demands.Specialist expertise was also celebrated, with Fuzion Public Relations Pvt Ltd being named Specialist Consultancy/Firm of the Year – Regional PR, recognising its impact in strengthening regional communications and expanding the reach of strategic public relations beyond metropolitan markets.Among corporate teams, Godrej Industries Group emerged as the winner of Corporate Communications Team of the Year, reflecting the company's strong reputation management and integrated communications approach. L&T Finance Ltd received the Jury Choice recognition in the same category, underscoring the growing importance of communications as a strategic business function.The winners' list for IMAGEXX Awards 2026 reflects the breadth and diversity of talent shaping India's communications industry today—from established agencies and corporate teams to emerging workplace leaders and specialist consultancies. The awards serve not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a testament to the evolving role of communications professionals in building trust, driving business value and navigating an increasingly complex media landscape. 

Media Mantra Founder and Director Udit P Pathak has announced that Rahul Mehta is no longer associated with the company.Pathak also stated that the position of CEO – India is currently vacant and that he will take over the responsibilities of India CEO in the interim.According to the statement, the company is not in a hurry to appoint a new leader and plans to focus on finding someone aligned with its long-term vision.Pathak added that the next two to three years will be important for the organisation amid changing industry dynamics. He also reiterated the company’s focus on building the next phase of growth with “clarity, strength, and purpose.”The statement concluded with Pathak wishing Rahul Mehta well for the future.

PRCA MENA ?Çô the regional arm of one of the world?ÇÖs largest public relations and communications association ?Çô hosted its latest edition of the Leaders Breakfast in collaboration with Media Mantra at the iconic Fouquet?ÇÖs Downtown Dubai.The exclusive gathering brought together a curated group of senior communications professionals for a candid and insightful discussion on leadership, collaboration, and the dynamic evolution of the PR and communications industry.Commenting on the event, Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, said:?Ç£In a fast-paced industry like ours, it?ÇÖs important to pause and engage with one another beyond the day-to-day. These breakfasts offer a much-needed space to reflect, connect and share ideas that matter.?Ç¥Udit Pathak, Founder and Director of Media Mantra, added: ?Ç£It was a pleasure to partner with PRCA MENA and bring together such a strong mix of industry voices. Honest, real conversations like these are key to shaping a stronger, more united communications landscape.?Ç¥The PRCA MENA Leaders Breakfast series continues to serve as a vital platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering deeper connections and enhanced collaboration within the region?ÇÖs PR and communications community.

Winners of the fourth edition of IMAGEXX Awards 2024 were felicitated amid loud cheers at a glittering ceremony in Gurugram yesterday (July 18, 2024). This year saw over 35% increase in the number of entries received from agencies and corporate across the country.Adfactors PR walked away with the top honours this year, being adjudged PR Agency Of The Year.Kaizzen won the PR Agency Of The Year award (Jury?ÇÖs Choice), while PR Professionals was declared PR Agency Of The Year (Adgully?ÇÖs Choice).Best Independent PR Agency Of The Year was Media Mantra. The Right PR was declared Emerging PR Agency Of The Year.Candour Communications walked away with the Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year award. Teamwork Communications Group won the award for Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year (Jury?ÇÖs Choice), while Genesis BCW was adjudged Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year (Adgully?ÇÖs Choice).Deepak Jolly of Consocia Advisory was declared Communicator Extraordinaire Of The Year.

Arsheen K Jain has been appointed as the Head of PR & Communications at ixigo, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. With over a decade of experience in the field, Arsheen brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her new role.Having joined ixigo over five years ago, Arsheen has played an instrumental role in shaping the company's communications strategy and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. Her dedication and passion for the travel industry have been evident throughout her tenure, earning her recognition as a dynamic and influential leader.Prior to her tenure at ixigo, Arsheen served as a Principal Consultant at Integral PR Services Pvt Ltd, where she honed her skills in strategic communication and brand management. She has also held roles at esteemed agencies such as Media Mantra and Avian WE, further solidifying her reputation as a seasoned professional in the field.In her new capacity, Arsheen is poised to lead ixigo's communication efforts to new heights, leveraging her extensive experience and innovative approach to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Her promotion underscores ixigo's commitment to excellence and reinforces its position as a leader in the travel and aviation industry.Speaking on her appointment, Arsheen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating: "I am thrilled to embark on this new journey as Head of PR & Communications at ixigo. It has been an incredible ride thus far, and I am excited to continue building upon the strong foundation we have established. Together with the talented team at ixigo, I am confident that we will elevate our brand, amplify our story, and forge even deeper connections with our audience."

Media Mantra, India?ÇÖs leading independent PR and integrated communications firm, is set to embark on a transformative journey with a strategic workforce expansion initiative that will witness the addition of 100+ new employees. This expansion will allow the company to meet growing demand from clients and solidify its position as a leading PR and communications provider in India.Media Mantra, founded in 2012, has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade while maintaining its commitment to providing top-tier strategic communications counsel. The company, headquartered in Gurugram with additional offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, currently employs over 150 PR and communications professionals. And the latest announcement, poised to augment its existing workforce by over 100 professionals, is aimed at bolstering capabilities, contributing to sustained growth, and achieving strategic objectives.Udit Pathak, Founder and Director of Media Mantra Group, underscores the significance of this move, stating, ?Ç£Over the past few years, we have significantly expanded our capabilities to offer fully integrated communications solutions beyond traditional public relations practices. And our expansion is a reflection of our commitment to delivering unparalleled services to our diverse clientele. It aligns with our vision of being at the forefront of innovation in PR and integrated communications. It will also strengthen our integrated capabilities, making us the ideal partner to help companies and brands shape opinions and experiences in the modern world.?Ç¥Pooja Pathak, Founder and Director of Media Mantra Group, emphasised on the broader impact on the firm?ÇÖs reputation and client satisfaction, saying, ?Ç£Our people are everything at Media Mantra. We owe our success to our fantastic team, and we are thrilled to be growing that team substantially this year. This strategic expansion is not merely an addition to our workforce; it's a reinforcement of our commitment to excellence. These new hires will allow us to take our services to the next level and continue pioneering new communications techniques to drive real results for our clients, elevating their confidence and trust.?Ç¥The 100+ new hires will include positions at all levels across departments ranging from account management, content creation, media relations, creative services, etc. Media Mantra is seeking top talent from India?ÇÖs best PR, communications and journalism programmes to fill these roles.The strategic vision extends beyond numerical growth, as highlighted by Rekha Gehani, People and Culture Leader at Media Mantra. ?Ç£With this expansion, we are gearing up for the next chapter of our journey. Our emphasis is not just on numbers but on cultivating a workplace culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We believe that investing in our people is an investment in our continued success. We aim to leverage our experience and expertise to enhance our position as counsellors and collaborators to India?ÇÖs biggest brands and organisations,?Ç¥ she said.As Media Mantra gears up for this ambitious expansion, it reiterates its commitment to innovation, client satisfaction, and industry leadership.